hes definitely mixed race only two times his complexion is ever mentioned the first is the warden asking him you have any nigger blood in you shadow which would imply he isnt fully africanamerican and the second being his skin being coffee and creamcolored the same description gaiman gives to the children of the african woman and the white plantation owner in the coming to america interlude oh yeah and sam asking if he has any indian blood which he says he is unsure